Cavendish takes early lead of Tirreno-Adriatico

DONORATICO, Italy (AP) — Mark Cavendish took the early lead of the Tirreno-Adriatico after his Omega Pharma-QuickStep won the team time trial on a rainy opening day on Wednesday.

Gian Mattia D'Alberto

Britain's Mark Cavendish sprays sparkling wine on the podium as he wears the light blue jersey of the overall leader, after completing the first stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race, a team time trial from San Vincenzo to Donoratico, Italy, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Gian Mattia d'Alberto, Lapresse)

Britain's Mark Cavendish sprays sparkling wine on the podium as he wears the light blue jersey of the overall leader, after completing the first stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race, a team time trial from San Vincenzo to Donoratico, Italy, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Gian Mattia d'Alberto, Lapresse)

Britain's Mark Cavendish receives the kiss of the race's hostesses as he wears the light blue jersey of the overall leader, after completing the first stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race, a team time trial from San Vincenzo to Donoratico, Italy, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Gian Mattia d'Alberto, Lapresse)

Britain's Mark Cavendish receives the kiss of the race's hostesses as he wears the light blue jersey of the overall leader, after completing the first stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race, a team time trial from San Vincenzo to Donoratico, Italy, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Gian Mattia d'Alberto, Lapresse)